Domestic Pig Size vs. Peccary Size

Attribute	Domestic Pig Size	Peccary Size
Species	Sus scrofa domesticus	Tayassuidae family
Weight	Up to 700 pounds	Up to 60 pounds
Height	Up to 3 feet	Up to 2 feet
Body Shape	Stocky and round	Slender and agile
Habitat	Domesticated or farm settings	Wild forests and grasslands

Physical Characteristics

Domestic pigs, also known as swine or hogs, are large mammals with a stout body, short legs, and a snout for rooting. They can vary in size depending on the breed, but on average, they can weigh anywhere from 300 to 700 pounds. Peccaries, on the other hand, are smaller in size compared to domestic pigs. They have a more slender body, longer legs, and a shorter snout. Peccaries typically weigh between 30 to 60 pounds, making them significantly smaller than domestic pigs.

Habitat and Distribution

Domestic pigs are found all over the world, as they are one of the most widely domesticated animals. They are commonly raised for their meat, and can be found on farms and in rural areas. Peccaries, on the other hand, are native to the Americas, with species found in North, Central, and South America. They prefer habitats such as forests, grasslands, and deserts, and are known to be social animals that live in groups.

Behavior and Diet

Domestic pigs are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant matter and meat. They are known to be opportunistic feeders, and will eat a variety of foods including grains, fruits, vegetables, and even small animals. Peccaries, on the other hand, are primarily herbivores, feeding on fruits, nuts, roots, and vegetation. They have a more specialized diet compared to domestic pigs, and are important seed dispersers in their ecosystems.

Reproduction and Lifespan

Domestic pigs have a relatively short gestation period of around 3 months, after which they give birth to a litter of piglets. A sow can have multiple litters in a year, and piglets are weaned at around 3 to 4 weeks of age. Domestic pigs have a lifespan of around 10 to 15 years. Peccaries, on the other hand, have a longer gestation period of around 5 months, and typically give birth to one or two offspring. Peccaries have a lifespan of around 8 to 12 years in the wild.

Conservation Status

Domestic pigs are not considered a threatened species, as they are widely bred for consumption and are not at risk of extinction. However, there are concerns about the environmental impact of pig farming, particularly in terms of deforestation and water pollution. Peccaries, on the other hand, are facing threats to their populations due to habitat loss, hunting, and competition with livestock. Some species of peccaries are listed as vulnerable or endangered, and conservation efforts are being made to protect their populations.